Dan Miller schedules surgery for son, camp thanks UFC for financial support
by John Morgan on Dec 10, 2011 at 12:00 pm ET
With Dan Miller facing medical bills in the neighborhood of $100,000, things weren't exactly heading in the right direction for the UFC middleweight contender.

Now, thanks to a little help from his employers, Miller is in much better shape.

MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) recently learned from Miller's camp at AMA Fight Club that UFC co-owners Lorenzo Fertitta and Dana White each made significant private donations to the Daniel James Miller Foundation, which was created to assist in the funding of a kidney transplant for Miller's son, Daniel Jr.

"Zuffa went above and beyond to make sure that Daniel James Miller and his aunt Kathy, who will be the living donor, will have the absolute best health care and the funding possible to make the surgery happen," AMA trainer Mike Constantino told MMAjunkie.com. "In addition to that, Dana and Lorenzo also made a substantial donation to the Daniel James Miller Foundation."

Miller's 1-year-old son needs a kidney transplant as the result of a genetic kidney disorder known as polycystic kidney disease, or PKD. Miller's team helped establish the foundation and recently held a seminar and auction to help raise money for the cause.

"I would like to thank Dana and Lorenzo for reaching out to help Dan Miller and his family," Constantino said. "Zuffa has proven time and time again that they take care of their own, and they should be recognized for that. These are the things that make being a part of the UFC family so special.

"I would also personally like to thank Reed Harris who was very instrumental in this, and it is very reassuring to hear from him that the UFC has our back no matter how tall the obstacle."

According to Constantino, Miller Jr. recently returned home from a two-week hospital stay and is currently at home and under a nurse's care. The transplant is currently scheduled for late January.

Harris, the former WEC head and current UFC vice president of community relations, declined to comment specifically on Zuffa's donation.

"We don't typically comment on private matters such as this," Harris said. "I can just tell you that at Zuffa, we really do treat our fighters like family."

The Miller family will continue to incur additional costs associated with the transplant and recovery because the procedure is not covered by medical insurance. As such, the Daniel James Miller Foundation will continue to accept donations.

"The Daniel James Miller Foundation is up and running and always accepting donations," Constantino said. "We all truly appreciate the amazing support from everyone.

"The MMA community really stepped up, and I am very proud to say that I am a part of it."

This doesn't mean that you should stop donating, though.

The rehabilitation period after the surgery will decide
whether the kid will live, or not.

The DJM Foundation Super Seminar at AMA Fight Club was a resounding success, with a great turn out and a fantastic set of skills taught by the excellent instructors in attendance. In addition to the amazing outpouring of support in the form of monetary donations, we have also been fortunate to receive some fantastic gifted items to auction off to help raise money for the lifelong bills for Danny’s non-rejection medication. CSC Memorabilia has been kind enough to handle hosting the auction online.

Auctions Ending 2/14/12

The Ultimate Fighter 14 Team Bisping Jersey - Autographed by Michael Bisping and the eight fighters on Team Bisping, including Featherweight champion Diego Brandao. Donated by Chris Martello, Spike TV.

The Ultimate Fighter 14 Team Miller Jersey - Autographed by Mayhem Miller and the eight fighters on Team Miller, including Bantamweight champion John Dodson. Donated by Chris Martello, Spike TV.

Signed Gear from UFC Middleweight Contender Chris Weidman - Chris kindly donated a Bad Boy hat, Bad Boy gloves, Bad Boy trunks and two large Bad Boy walk out shirts, worn by Chris’ cornerman and Chris himself. All items are signed by Chris.

Team Bang Ludwig Fight Gear – UFC Welterweight Duane “Bang” Ludwig has donated three Bang Muay Thai Inc. shirts, one each in medium, large and x-large, as well as a large Bang Muay Thai Inc. jersey and a signed fight photo to the auction.

Autographed Charlie Brenneman vs. Rick Story Photo – Taken from the night of Brenneman’s amazing “Rocky-moment” fight, in which Charlie found out last minute he would not be fighting before his hometown Pittsburgh crowd due to a late illness for his scheduled opponent, only to be given a chance the day of weigh-ins to fill in as the new co-main event. Charlie capitalized, knocking off the top-five ranked Rick Story.

UFC Encyclopedia – The excellent new book documenting all you need to know about the UFC, written by Thomas Gerbasi. Five copies are available, and the books can be signed by Dan and Jim at the request of the winning bidders.

Paypal says "this recipient is currently unable to receive money", acknowledged on the foundation's site, they suggest sending a cheque via the post. That's unfortunate, as I'd be willing to make a decent-sized donation electronically.